You are invited to a unique, immersive weekend of storytelling for adults from the world-renowned tradition bearer and storyteller Shonaleigh. This is a rare chance to hear these ancient tales in the light and on the tongue, stories untold for two generations and barely spoken of for decades.

In the latest episode of Shonaleigh’s acclaimed Gem cycle, we meet Tobias. Tobias owes a debt to a Fire Wolf. The Fire Wolf was once human, but after committing a series of terrible deeds, his soul became seared and he was transformed into a fearsome creature of fire and darkness. The Fire Wolf’s primal scream, when let out at full voice, has the power to kill everyone and everything in earshot. The Fire Wolf is doomed to eternal damnation unless he sacrifices himself for another. He must complete this one selfless act, never knowing whether or not it will be enough to redeem him.

When a Fire Wolf dies, they release a snow tear, which contains seven seeds of redemption. Snow tears are much sought after by ogres, for snow tears, which quench an unquenchable hunger, are an ogre’s favourite food. But should the snow tears survive being eaten by an ogre, and be collected by a person, such as Tobias, who owes the Fire Wolf a debt, then the Fire Wolf has the chance to regain his soul. However, just collecting the snow tear alone is not enough, the person who collects the tear must also agree to try to undo the wrongs the Fire Wolf has committed in order for the Fire Wolf to be redeemed.

To repay the debt he owes the Fire Wolf, Tobias takes on the quest of trying to right the wrongs that brought the Fire Wolf into existence. Tobias and the Snow Tear is the story of his quest. As for whether he is successful or not… join Tobias on his journey and find out what happens for yourself.

Shonaleigh is a Druts’yla, and carries on a living unbroken oral tradition passed down from grandmother to granddaughter by generations of Jewish women. Shonaleigh knows around 4,000 tales that she can recall on request, using the lost art of ‘stories within stories’.

This telling of Tobias and the SnowTear will be recorded, as part of the Last Drut’syla Project, to create an archive of this tradition’s stories.

This is an unmissable opportunity for anyone interested in stories or in oral and lost cultures to come and help document and archive this tradition through listening, requesting stories and asking questions. There will only be 20 places, so booking is essential.

This telling ofTobias and the Snow Tear will start at 7.30pm on Friday evening (arrive from 6pm for a bite to eat first). Saturday’s session will run approximately 10am – 9pm. Sunday will run approximately 10am – 2pm. It will take place within a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of cushions and sofas and cups of tea.

There is a charge of £30 to attend, to cover the cost of the room and basic lunches and dinners. You are also welcome to make a donation to Shonaleigh and Simon’s travel and project expenses, and to bring cakes, biscuits and snacks to share (gluten and dairy-free if possible).